Sunday, April 25, 2010

Our Reading Nook

Hello everyone,

I hope you enjoyed your weekend. We had lots of sunshine and warmer days, which made me happy. I love having the windows open , the sound of the birds singing and seeing all the new growth in the garden. I am guessing some of you probably had a more exciting weekend but that is all it takes to make this gardener happy!

Now,I want to show you one of the projects we have been working on with the help of a carpenter.In our living room( which was our bedroom several years ago )there where two closets side by side that we didn't need there anymore so I thought the space could be better used as a little reading nook or extra seating when all the family etc. come for a visit.

So we had a carpenter come and tear out the wall dividing the closets and build this cosy little nook.

I have to make a few cushions for it and the foam has to be covered with the material instead of just wrapped over it but that can be a rainy day project.

We had wall sconces installed to make it bright for reading but I would like them on a dimmer for cosiness when nobody is reading.

There are two large drawers for storage underneath.

I got these corbels at Winner's( tjmaxx) and I think they worked well here.

It wouldn't be me if there was no toile but I am using a plain natural fabric on the seat but I am wondering about making it reversible on the other side with a different fabric so when I need a change I can flip the cushion.

I did try it with the mirror up top but wasn't sure-what do you think?

Now this is what it looked like when the carpenter took off the wooden doors and knocked out the dividing wall.

Below is an updated photo of our reading nook.

Would you like to linger with a book and a cup of tea-stay as long as you like!

Hi Carolyn, I would love to linger with a book and tea. The reversible seat cushion is a great idea, you can change the color at a flip. Sorry I do not like the mirror between the lamps. It is a beautiful reading area. Take care.

Hello CarolynThat was a great idea to make the reading nook and it does look cozy. I like the mirror between the lights; guess you'll have to leave it up for a few days to see whether it works for you.Judith

Hi Carolyn! Your reading nook is beautiful! It looks like it's always been there. Love how you've dressed it with the cushions and toile pillows. Your corbells are perfect and the lights - they're just right. Oh, what a wonderful spot. You've really been busy, haven't you? I love it.be a sweetie,Shelia ;)

What a lovely idea! I love the touches of toile. I think I like it without the mirror but you will make the right decision. It will be lovely whatever way you decorate it. Have a wonderful day and would love for you to join me for Tea Time tomorrow.

Your reading nook turned out great. I'd certainly be spending a lot of time there with a cup of tea and a good book if it were in my home. I like it without the mirror, but either way it is a very pretty spot.

I love your reading nook, so sweet and comfy looking! I love the exterior of your home your gardens are beautiful. I see you have a climbing bush in the corner. Please tell me about it? I'm considering Something that climbs for the outside of my home and can't make up my mind. I am training a wisteria across the back sunroom wall to provide shade in the summer. So far so good. Thanks so much.~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

I am so happy you are having such nice spring weather! We are enjoying beautiful weather as well, and spent our weekend much like yours~ in the garden and with all of the windows open in our cottage! Oh, I love this time of year. I spent Sunday afternoon sitting on the front porch reading Dickens. How wonderful it would be to have a reading nook like yours. It is very beautiful and a wonderful transformation. I love how you have it decorated, the mirror looks beautiful. I think it is a good idea to put different fabric on the backside so you can flip it over when you want a change. I would love to linger with a cup of tea! Thank you for sharing your lovely home! Enjoy your garden and reading nook! Love, Paula

I love this special place, Carolyn - such a beautiful spot to curl up and read, visit, or just dream. And I do like the mirror; it seems to give a little life to the nook, although it already has a lovely, cozy life to it. Now enjoy!Laurie

Brilliant! What a fantastic idea for your old closet space, I adore it. I think I too prefer it without the mirror. And I really really love the corbels...really from Winners? I'm going to have to make a trip there, they are beautiful!

I've been saving this post for a quiet moment but, now, I must, also, leave a sleepy comment. Those colors are some of my favorites. Such an elegant combination. Oh, Carolyn, this is a brilliant renovation. Congratulations!

I usually go for simpler but, I like the mirror in this case. It gives it a window seat feel - even though it's still very cozy. You'll know what to do, though. Sometimes, I know what I SHOULD do but, in my heart, it's disappointing. Sometimes, I just need to have something simple (like a window for instance - no curtains) until I'm really ready for it. Anyway,...

I made the comment and then went back and looked. I saw it fresh. The angel is Sooooo adorable but it feels like a cave. You don't seem like a cave dweller. =] The mirror makes it feel more Edwardian. Can't go wrong either way, can you?

What a great little nook! I love it. I like the mirror up there, it reflects the light. And I like your idea of having a different fabric on the back of the large cushion so you could change it if you so disired. It is so wonderful! Hugs, Cindy S

Love the way your nook turned out with the soft colours, the toile pillows and the lamps! What a transformation from cupboards to seating area :-)!

I am glad the weather is beautiful on PEI. We have a lot of sunshine here as well. It hasn't rained for some time now. We could definetely use a shower! I believe at the end of the week we will have a change of weather. Our garden will be very happy with that!

About Me

I live on Prince Edward Island Canada.
I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have seven children and nine grandchildren.
My hobbies include gardening,decorating,photography,baking,reading and afternoon tea.
I love to share my hobbies with you through my blog.